IP leaks occur when your IP address is exposed to third parties such as websites, apps, or hackers. There are different types of IP leaks, such as DNS leaks, WebRTC leaks, and IPv6 leaks. IP leaks can reveal your browsing habits, personal information, real location, identity, browsing history and other sensitive information to third parties. To prevent IP leaks, you need to use some effective solutions that can hide or mask your IP address from prying eyes. Here are some of the best solutions for fixing IP leaks:
- Use HTTPS
When you use HTTPS, your data is protected from anyone who tries to
intercept or tamper with it. HTTPS also prevents DNS leaks, which occur when your DNS requests are sent to your ISP instead of your VPN or Tor server. DNS requests can reveal the websites you visit and your IP address. To use HTTPS, you need to look for the padlock icon or the “https” prefix in the address bar of your browser. You can also use extensions like HTTPS Everywhere that force websites to use HTTPS whenever possible. But most websites nowadays already have HTTPS enabled. - Use Tor
Tor is a network of volunteer-run servers that anonymize your internet traffic by bouncing it through multiple layers of encryption. When you use Tor, your IP address is replaced by the IP address of the last server in the network, which changes every time you visit a new website. This way, your online activity is hidden from anyone who tries to track or monitor you. To use Tor, you need to download and install the Tor Browser, which is a modified version of Firefox that connects to the Tor network automatically. You can also use Tor with other applications by configuring them to use Tor as a proxy. - Use a VPN with built-in DNS and IP leak protection
When you use a VPN, your internet traffic is routed through the server, which assigns you a different IP address. This way, your original IP address is hidden from the websites and apps you visit, and you can access geo-restricted content. To use a VPN, you need to sign up for a VPN provider, download and install their app on your device, and connect to a server of your choice. We listed below some of the most reliable providers.
The most effective way to prevent IP leaks is to use a reliable VPN service that can encrypt your traffic and mask your IP address. However, sometimes VPNs can fail to protect you from IP leaks due to various reasons, such as configuration errors, software bugs, or network issues. Later in this article, we will explain how to fix IP leaks on your VPN and how to test if your VPN is leaking your IP address.
65% off NordVPN + 3 months FREE
ANNUAL PRICE: 3.71 USD/mo
MONTHLY PRICE: 11.95 USD
Panama based NordVPN is one of the best security oriented VPN companies with amazingly fast infrastructure. NordVPN is a no logs VPN service that was independently audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers AG based in Zurich, Switzerland (one of the Big 4 auditing firms) to back the claims that they don’t log identifiable user information under any circumstances.
NordVPN custom apps have DNS and IP leaks protection and a kill switch that actively monitors your network and shuts down Internet access when your VPN in not running.
NordVPN offers a Double VPN – a privacy feature that sends your Internet traffic through two VPN servers, encrypting it twice.
Onion Over VPN servers is a powerful NordVPN feature that takes your privacy and security to the next level. Using this tech, you first connect to a VPN server and then to the Tor network. Your ISP does not know you are connected to Tor because your entry point in a secure VPN server, while your destination sees an anonymous Tor exit point.
NordVPN obfuscated VPN servers are a perfect choice to use on restrictive networks and to hide the fact that you are using a VPN. These VPN servers are generally recommended for countries that block VPN altogether because the technology can bypass even the most advanced network filtering. Obfsproxy hides OpenVPN and makes your VPN use completely undetectable. Neither your ISP nor the government will know that you are on VPN.
A strict no logs privacy policy, double data encryption, obfuscation tools and a number of advanced security features, makes NordVPN one of the best VPN providers for security and privacy for users with high expectations.
Besides, NordVPN has a Smart Play technology offering an encrypted connection to access geo-restricted content on Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Spotify and similar services. If you are a torrenting user, NordVPN has torrenting VPN servers as well.
NordVPN offers over 5,000 high-speed servers in 62 countries, dedicated & shared IP types, 6 simultaneous logins; the infrastructure is built to provide maximum online security, bypass Internet restrictions, online censorship and network firewalls.
To read a full NordVPN review click HERE.
Get 10% off TorGuard VPN Lifetime Deal
ANNUAL PRICE: 4.49 USD/mo [promocode]
MONTHLY PRICE: 8.99 USD
Offering over 3,000 servers in 55 countries, all mainstream protocols and top-notch security, TorGuard rightfully earned its place as a top VPN provider.
No logging TorGuard VPN is a reliable, fast and secure service for privacy oriented users. TorGuard desktop apps have a kill switch feature that actively monitors your Internet connection to protect you from accidental IP leaks when your WiFi is unstable.
Stealth VPN is a technology that TorGuard uses to bypass Deep Packet Inspection firewalls, such as those typically used at the hotels, airports, restaurants and other public WiFi hotspots to restrict online access. Consequently, TorGuard is a highly recommended VPN service for users who live in the regions with particularly restrictive governments, and would like to unblock censored websites or services.
Besides a great number of security features and ability to unblock VPN on restrictive WiFi, TorGuard is also an ultra fast VPN service with gigabit servers (actually, 10 Gbps). This infrastructure allows the fastest VPN speeds with a reliable streaming and browsing experience.
Unlike most VPN providers, TorGuard VPN can bypass Netflix proxy error with their Netflix streaming IPs. TorGuard can unblock a number of Netflix regions (USA, UK, Canada, Italy, Germany, Finland, France, Italy, Spain, Japan and Singapore), Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Spotify and virtually any streaming or social media service.
TorGuard is not only one of the best VPN services, it also offers OpenPGP encrypted email service with 2 factor authentication and up to 10Mb free storage.
To read a full TorGuard review click HERE.
Get 81% off PIA VPN
ANNUAL PRICE: 2.19 USD/mo
MONTHLY PRICE: 11.95 USD
PIA is one of the largest no logs VPN services with over 3,000 VPN servers that deliver great speeds and a reliable performance. PIA offers easy to install VPN apps for all devices with security and privacy features that protect VPN users. In 2018 PIA was subpoenaed by the FBI and the only information they could provide was that the cluster of IP addresses being used was from the east coast of the United States. The FBI case confirms that PIA indeed does not log any user activity.
Desktop apps have a built-in kill switch, DNS and IPv4/IPv6 leak protection that guards the connection from IP leaks. Their NAT firewall does a great job at protecting from cyber attacks.
For faster streaming and torrenting experience, PIA software offers switching between different connection types and ports. You can choose between UDP and TCP connections types that, depending on network, can speed up traffic. UDP is also greatly preferred for torrenting and streaming. You can also send VPN traffic over various ports: 443, 80, 110, 53, 8080, 9201.
Since some ISPs block torrenting or throttle download speeds by restricting certain VPN ports, port forwarding is an especially useful feature for torrenting VPN users.
If you need to bypass VPN ban, port 443 is the best option because it is used by encrypted HTTPS traffic. PIA in not only one of the best VPN services to give unrestricted and secure access to various torrenting websites and services. PIA can also unblock Netflix USA and Netflix UK libraries, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Amazon Prime.
SOCKS5 proxy is another excellent feature that can re-route only certain traffic through VPN tunnel eliminating the need for split tunneling. SOCKS5 is widely used with torrenting software due to its convenience. Once installed on uTorrent, for instance, it works for p2p traffic only.
To read a full PIA review click HERE.
Get 74% off Hide.Me + 3mo FREE
ANNUAL PRICE: 2.59 USD/mo
MONTHLY PRICE: 9.95 USD
Based in Malaysia, Hide.me is one the most secure and fastest VPN providers offering ultra fast gigabit VPN servers that deliver the fastest VPN speeds for users on gigabit Internet connection.
Hide.Me is a no logs VPN service with custom VPN apps that include a number of advanced features for maximum security. Hide.Me VPN has a built-in protection against IP and DNS leaks. Kill switch is an excellent tool to shut down Internet access when the connection to a VPN server is dropped.
Stealth Guard takes this even further by blocking access to predetermined apps even when the VPN is OFF. Essentially, you can configure Hide.Me in a way that makes it impossible to use Chrome browser, for instance, when the VPN is not running. This feature is an excellent addition to protect yourself from accidental mistakes.
Hide.Me supports perfect forward secrecy, an advanced security feature that tells OpenVPN to regularly renegotiate private keys. In case the private key of the server is compromised, past session keys will not be compromised. Forward secrecy protects past sessions against future compromises of secret keys, and future sessions against current attacks.
The provider also offers advanced VPN masking tools to bypass strict firewalls, censorship and hide VPN use. Hide.Me masks (obfuscates) OpenVPN traffic with TLS-Crypt so, if your WiFi network blocks VPN by analyzing traffic patterns, this methods can bypass the most advanced firewalls. This setup also encrypts every OpenVPN packet twice, sort of like double VPN encryption.
Additionally, the provider offers a dynamic TCP/UDP port-forwarding (UPnP) with up to 10 TCP/UDP ports, a useful feature on WiFi networks that block VPN ports, or for torrenting. Port forwarding feature is a great addition as it can speed up torrenting or streaming when your ISP throttles select traffic.
More so, you can selectively tunnel only specific traffic via secure servers. Split tunneling feature allows this or, alternatively, SOCKS5 proxy can be setup on your browser/torrenting client and re-route only that traffic.
Hide.Me VPN is extremely reliable and very fast which makes it a perfect choice for security oriented users who would like to enjoy uninterrupted streaming and browsing experience.
To read a full Hide.me review click HERE.
Get 73% off PureVPN
ANNUAL PRICE: 2.91 USD/mo
MONTHLY PRICE: 10.95 USD
PureVPN, based in the British Virgin Islands offshore zone, is a no logs certified VPN service that was independently audited by KPMG – a big 4 auditor. Always-On Audit feature allows KPMG to conduct a thorough surprise audit of PureVPN’s processes and servers at any time without prior notice.
Secure high-speed PureVPN infrastructure offers advanced security features for anonymous Internet use. PureVPN custom apps have a built-in WebRTC, IP and DNS leak protection. Kill switch is feature that guards the users from unencrypted data leaks when the internet connection drops. PureVPN even has a DDoS protection add-on.
In case you want to limit your VPN use to specific websites/services only, Split Tunneling feature lets you decide which applications to send through unencrypted channel and which one to secure with an encrypted VPN service.
Split tunneling is commonly used in case you need a VPN for torrenting only. More so, PureVPN offers 2,000 high-speed VPN servers in 140 countries with over 60 dedicated torrenting servers and a port forwarding feature to maximize your upload and download speeds.
Additionally, the provider considered the importance of uninterrupted streaming by introducing Dedicated Streaming add-on that will boost streaming speed and enhance performance. PureVPN optimized streaming servers are best to get a buffer-free streaming experience.
PureVPN is also one of the few VPN providers that can effectively unblock Netflix. For this purpose PureVPN setup dedicated Netflix servers. At the moment the provider can unblock Netflix USA, UK, Australia, Canada, Germany, France, Japan.
Overall, PureVPN is a great no logs VPN service for privacy and security, to access geo-restricted streaming content, unblock websites and bypass censorship.
To read a full PureVPN review click HERE.
Get 72% off Trust.Zone VPN
ANNUAL PRICE: 1.99 USD/mo
MONTHLY PRICE: 8.88 USD
No logs Trust.Zone is a Seychelles based VPN provider with user privacy as their foremost priority. Since Trust.Zone is a VPN service launched by one of the largest torrenting websites ExtraTorrent, it’s no wonder they are one of the best providers for p2p file sharing. Their apps have DNS, WebRTC leaks protection, Kill Switch and port-forwarding features. To read a full Trust.Zone review click HERE.
Go to Perfect Privacy Website
ANNUAL PRICE: 8.99 USD/mo
MONTHLY PRICE: 12.99 USD
Germany based Perfect Privacy is an ultra fast (gigabit servers) VPN provider with a heavy focus on advanced online security. As the name suggests, Perfect Privacy VPN has some of the most secure VPN features for maximum security, privacy and complete anonymity.
Perfect Privacy dedicated VPN servers run on RAM, not the hard drive, to secure your anonymity and privacy. This setup ensures that the data is automatically wiped during reboot or server shut down so the government cannot access sensitive user data in case they seize the server.
More so, the provider has one of the best and most advanced kill switch implementations. Their integrated firewall enforces all traffic to be sent through secure tunnels thereby protecting their users from all known IP leaks not only when the app is running, but also after OS reboot. Essentially, it prevents unsecured online access after you restart your device unless you connect to a VPN server.
In addition, Perfect Privacy offers a unique Multi-Hop VPN feature that allows cascading over up to 4 OpenVPN servers (multi-layer end-to-end encryption) at the same time along with SOCKS5 and Squid proxies. So you can create a chain of 6 VPN locations at the same time which basically eliminates any possibility of tracking you down. While this setup surely provides more anonymity, it will dramatically slow you down, which may be an issue for some VPN users.
NeuroRouting is an AI based dynamic routing that determines the most secure and fastest route through the Internet. The algorithm dynamically changes VPN servers when taking a secure route to different destinations. Since NeuroRouting automatically assigns you a new IP address for different exit points, government tracking becomes very challenging, if impossible.
Additionally, Perfect Privacy regularly updates a Warrant Canary page as an insurance that the provider has not received any subpoenas.
Another interesting feature is the provider’s ability to resolve .onion (TOR) addresses without the need for the Tor Browser. Perfect Privacy SOCKS5 and HTTP proxies are setup to resolve Tor addresses by default.
Perfect Privacy also can bypass strict firewalls by obfuscating OpenVPN to look like normal HTTPS traffic with Stealth VPN or OpenVPN over SSH feature. For additional firewall penetration Perfect Privacy allows 5 custom port forwardings or 3 default random ports. Basically, if your WiFi network completely blocks VPN, Perfect Privacy can bypass firewall and unblock VPN on virtually any network.
Overall, Perfect Privacy VPN is the most secure VPN service to avoid mass surveillance, bypass internet restrictions, access blocked websites, and securely stream multimedia content.
To read a full Perfect Privacy review click HERE.
How to Fix IP Leaks
An IP leak is a situation where your real IP address is exposed online, even if you are using a VPN or other privacy tools. This can compromise your online security and privacy, as well as expose you to various threats such as hacking, tracking, censorship, or geo-blocking. To prevent IP leaks, you can try the following solutions:
- Disable WebRTC in your browser. WebRTC is a technology that enables peer-to-peer communication for web applications such as video chat or file sharing. However, WebRTC can also leak your real IP address, even if you are using a VPN. To disable WebRTC, you can install a browser extension that blocks it, or follow the instructions for your specific browser on how to disable it manually.
- Change your DNS settings. DNS is a system that translates domain names into IP addresses, and vice versa. Sometimes, your DNS requests can be sent outside of your VPN tunnel, revealing your real IP address to your ISP or third parties. To prevent this, you can change your DNS settings to use a secure and private DNS service, such as the one provided by your VPN provider, or a third-party service like Cloudflare or Google Public DNS.
- Use a VPN with a kill switch feature. A kill switch is a mechanism that automatically disconnects your device from the internet if your VPN connection drops. This way, your real IP address will not be revealed to the websites or services you are accessing. You can enable the kill switch feature in the settings of your VPN app, or look for a VPN that has this feature built-in.
Test if VPN has IP Leaks
If you are using VPN and you believe your real IP is revealed, the first step to fix IP leaks is to check if your VPN is working properly. You can do this by using online tools that can detect your IP address and other information about your connection. Some of the most popular tools are:
These tools can show you your IP address, DNS servers, WebRTC information, and other details that can reveal if your VPN is leaking or not. If you see your real IP address or any information that matches your ISP or location, then you have an IP leak.
The second step to fix IP leaks is to troubleshoot the cause of the leak and apply the appropriate solution. Depending on the type of leak, you may need to do one or more of the following actions:
- Change your VPN protocol or server. Some VPN protocols or servers may be more prone to leaks than others, so switching to a different one may solve the problem. For example, you can try using WireGuard instead of OpenVPN or IPsec, or choose a server that is closer to your location or has less load.
- Enable the kill switch feature on your VPN. A kill switch is a feature that automatically disconnects you from the internet if your VPN connection drops unexpectedly. This way, you can prevent any data from being transmitted without encryption or masking. Most VPNs have a kill switch option that you can enable in their settings.
- Disable IPv6 on your device. IPv6 is a newer version of the internet protocol that assigns unique addresses to every device on the internet. However, some VPNs may not support IPv6 or may leak it due to compatibility issues. To disable IPv6 on your device, you can follow the instructions for your operating system.
- Disable WebRTC on your browser. WebRTC is a technology that allows web browsers to communicate directly with each other without intermediaries. However, WebRTC can also leak your IP address even if you are using a VPN. To disable WebRTC on your browser, you can use extensions such as WebRTC Leak Prevent for Chrome or Firefox.
- Update your VPN software and device firmware. Sometimes IP leaks can be caused by outdated or buggy software or firmware that may have security vulnerabilities or compatibility issues. To avoid this, you should always keep your VPN software and device firmware up to date with the latest versions and patches.
By following these steps, you should be able to fix IP leaks on your VPN and enjoy a secure and private online experience. Remember to test your VPN regularly for leaks and report any issues to your VPN provider if they persist.